UA Little Rock announces four leadership promotions
October 27 - November 2, 2025
By Angelita Faller
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced four key promotions within its Division of University Advancement, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering leadership and strengthening its mission to support students, alumni, and the broader community.
University Advancement includes the Offices of Alumni and Development as well as Communications and Marketing.
Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement, said the promotions reflect the strength of UA Little Rock’s advancement team and the university’s investment in leadership development.
“These individuals have consistently gone above and beyond in their roles, helping us elevate the university’s story, build meaningful partnerships, and create opportunities for our students,” O’Neal said. “Their leadership, creativity, and dedication will continue to strengthen our work and our impact across campus and beyond.”
Derek Boyce named director of alumni, corporate, and foundation relations
Derek Boyce has been promoted to director of alumni, corporate, and foundation relations after 16 years of service to UA Little Rock. Boyce, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in human services from UA Little Rock, will now oversee alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic relationships.
“In this expanded role, I’ll have the opportunity to strengthen relationships across our alumni network, corporate partners, and philanthropic supporters,” Boyce said. “This is something I’ve been working toward, and I’m thrilled to help advance UA Little Rock’s mission in meaningful and impactful ways.”
Boyce, a Certified Volunteer Manager, is actively involved with the UA Little Rock Alumni Association, where he has served as president of the Pi Kappa Alpha Zeta Eta Alumni Board. He also participates in Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XLI.
Meaghan Milliorn elevated to senior director of web strategy and operations
After more than 16 years at UA Little Rock, Meaghan Milliorn has been promoted to senior director of web strategy and operations. A graduate of UA Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, Milliorn has led the university’s web team since 2016 and oversaw the successful launch of the university’s new website this year.
In her new role, she will oversee the web budget and operations while continuing to guide the university’s digital strategy to align with institutional goals.
“I’m very happy for this opportunity to continue leading our web team and elevate the work that Communications and Marketing does,” Milliorn said. “I’ve worked really hard to get here, and this is an exciting time to be part of what UA Little Rock is doing. I am thankful to help grow this team and continue working hard to tell UA Little Rock’s story.”
Milliorn is active in Digital Collegium and serves on the committee for its annual conference.
Stephanie Purifoy promoted to director of development for enduring opportunities and CHASSE
Stephanie Purifoy has been named director of development for Enduring Opportunities and the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).
In her new role, Purifoy leads fundraising efforts for the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship, a transformative initiative made possible by a $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation. The scholarship ensures that UA Little Rock can continue its Half-Off Scholarship and Trojan Guarantee program indefinitely, creating pathways to affordable and potentially debt-free college degrees for Arkansas students.
“I am very excited about leading the effort to make an affordable, quality college education available to Arkansas students for years to come,” Purifoy said. “UA Little Rock has the opportunity to change lives by opening doors that many students never thought possible.”
Purifoy previously worked in development roles for several nonprofit organizations, including CareLink, the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and Audubon Arkansas. She is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
Muriel Schrepfer named senior graphic designer
Muriel Schrepfer, who has been part of UA Little Rock’s creative team for eight years, has been promoted to senior graphic designer. A graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Schrepfer previously worked as a graphic designer for A-State’s Publications and Creative Services office.
In her new role, Schrepfer will support athletic marketing efforts and lead student workers within Communications and Marketing.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and excited to step into this new role,” Schrepfer said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to support the great work happening here and helping move us forward.”
Schrepfer also serves as virtual programs coordinator for the University & College Designers Association, chair of the UA Little Rock Wesley Foundation Board, and is a member of CASE District IV and the UA Little Rock Sustainability Committee.
